Torris Terrell Bell went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, April 28, 2025. Torris was born September 22, 1978. He was a beloved music educator for the Jackson Public School District for 21 years.
Torris Bell was a man of faith who really knew the Lord. His love of God and the important values of respect, honesty, compassion, perseverance, and hard work kept him spiritually focused. He loved his family, friends, students, co-workers, and church community.
Mr. Bell was an Indianola native and the youngest of three brothers. He received a great education in the Indianola Public Schools at Carver Elementary, Merritt Middle, and Gentry High School. During these formative years in school, he enhanced his knowledge in the gifted program and developed his many talents with a life-long enthusiasm for learning. He graduated from Gentry High School and Mississippi Valley State University, both with honors. He was a master musician on the piano and organ. He showed a remarkable talent and interest in music from a young age. His parents always had musical instruments in their home, including an organ, guitar, piano, and other small instruments. He took lessons from various musicians and practiced diligently until he began to play music for the church, first for Sunday school and later Sunday worship service. He appreciated being mentored by various musicians and educators: Mrs. Ella M. Bell, Mrs. Lou Ann Davis, Mrs. Hattie Rosser, Dr. Lemondra Hamilton, Mrs. Jessica James, Dr. Sandra Scott (MVSU), Mr. Lawrence Horn (MVSU), Dr. Lawrence Goldman (MVSU), Mrs. Mary McGee, Mrs. Lannie Spann McBride (Jackson), and many others.
Through the years, Torris used his musical and leadership skills with: the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi, Inc. as a State Youth Music Department advisor; Sunflower County Congress of Christian Education as an intermediate youth leader; Sunflower County Baptist Association as a Music Department assistant musician; Rasberry UMC Church, Mount Beulah M. B. Church, as a youth minister of music; Baldwin Chapel; Mississippi Valley State University Choirs as a student director/accompanist; Mississippi Baptist Congress of Christian Education as a state youth mass choir director; and Saint Benedict The Moor Catholic Church as a minister of music.
Mr. Bell and students celebrate Hispanic Month at Bates Elementary.
He was a great music educator for Jackson Public Schools serving at Bates Elementary as a music and certified Orff specialist. He was a nationally recognized grant writer and received additional funds to purchase instruments and equipment for his classroom. His biblical teachings and music led him to be a faithful minister of music and worship leader at Terry Grove M.B. Church and Greater Allen Temple A.M.E. Church. He was also a member of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, community choirs, and served as a musician for many musical events. He served faithfully in those capacities until his health declined. He held to his faith, continued to trust God, and right now his family believes that he is safe in the arms of Jesus.
All his life Torris battled with sickle cell disease but never used it as an excuse of not being productive. He remained steadfast and strong; he finished his assignment here on earth. He made every day count and taught us the meaning of unconditional love. Our lives will never be the same without him, but we are better because of him. He wants us to carry his sparkle of light, leave a trail and spread the good news of Jesus Christ wherever we go. He often told us to let our light shine before men so that people may see our good works, not us, and glorify God our Father in heaven because it is not about us.
Excerpt from Metro Christian Living – The Music Man of Baker Elementary School, Mr. Bell was the resident maestro for 382 students, pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, and he created musical experiences for everyone within the space of a five-day school week. He does indeed have a gift – and most importantly, a genuine love for children. His talents are abundantly clear as he manages his classroom. He puts as much thought and planning into the curriculum as if he were conducting the Metropolitan Opera. He is a special treasure to his students, his school, and the Jackson Public School District. Weekends are not lazy. You will find Mr. Bell at Terry Grove M.B. Church where he directs four choirs! You can't slow down the Music Man! He received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Mississippi Valley State University. His first assignment post-college was a middle school in Yazoo City and although he enjoyed it, he found a special niche at Baker. There is something a little paternal in the way he approaches teaching beginners. He said, "I love to see the "spark" that is so apparent in their eyes when they really get the concept."
Excerpt from Bates Elementary #JPSFamily#Legacy of Love WLBT 3 on Your Side post – Torris Bell, a beloved music teacher and cherished member of the Bates Elementary family. Mr. Bell was more than an exceptional educator – he was a guiding light whose passion for music, devotion to his scholars, and uplifting spirit left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. Through his teaching, he inspired a love of music and created joyful experiences that our scholars will carry with them for a lifetime. His kindness, creativity, and unwavering dedication to the JPS community made a difference far beyond the scholars, colleagues, and all who were fortunate enough to be a part of his journey.
Excerpt from Mississippi Music News – President's Address Annual In-Service Conference – 2009 ACDA/MMEA Session – Torris Bell is currently serving his 5th year teaching music to pre-kindergarten through 5th students in the Jackson Public School District at Baker Elementary School. He revitalized the Strings-In-Schools program where Baker students learn from a member of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. In the Jackson Public School District, Torris has been a team leader, presented professional development sessions to music and non-professionals, and coordinated his school's Adopt-A-School program. He helped achieve MAPE: Governor's Award for an outstanding adopter partnership at Baker. In 2008, he chaired the Jackson Public School's 31st Annual All-City Elementary Music Festival. Prior to teaching at Baker Elementary, he taught 7th and 8th grade choir in the Yazoo City School District. He was selected by MENC in the fall of 2008, along with 69 teachers nationwide, to receive a Nintendo Wii console and Wii Music.
Jackson Federation of Teachers – Torris had been a loyal and active member of the Jackson Federation of Teachers since 2016. He served most recently as JFT's professional development coordinator as well as cofacilitator for the AFT's Teacher Leader program for the local branch. In addition, he also taught professional development.
God sent His heavenly angels from His shining courts of glory to Methodist University Hospital in Memphis on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 10:33 a.m. The great musician, educator, son, brother, friend, and servant of God transitioned to his eternal reward and is now at rest with Him. Torris Terrell Bell’s job was completed and well done.
A CELEBRATION OF ETERNITY IN HONOR OF TORRIS BELL WILL BE HELD AS FOLLOWS:
A viewing will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 15, at Terry Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 323 Raymond Street, Terry, Mississippi, followed by a Musical from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the church.
A viewing will be held from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, May 16, at Byas Funeral Home, 407 Front Street Ext., Indianola, Mississippi.
The Homegoing Celebration Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 17, at Mount Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, 310 Church Avenue, Indianola, Mississippi.
Torris leaves to celebrate and cherish his memory: his loving and devoted mother, Lottie Bell Clay of Indianola; three brothers, James A. (Kimberly) Bell and Dexter D. (Angela) Bell of Memphis and John Bell of Bixby, Arkansas; one sister, Tyronza Shay Beckford of Leland; and a host of other relatives and friends.
